There are many kinds of trees that can accomplish a wide variety of looks and functions. If you want a full and lush tree that will last all year, pine trees can serve your needs. If you are looking for an interesting design, you may want to consider palms; and shady oaks are your friend if you are looking for canopy coverage.

Whatever need you have, there is likely a tree that can get the job done. There are plenty of trees that would work wonderfully in your backyard.

What are the pros and cons of planting trees in your backyard?

Pros

Shade – Trees are fantastic at providing shade on hot days. There is nothing like hanging out under a shady oak when you want to be outside. Without trees you must rely on hats and umbrellas to keep the sun out of your eyes.

Homes – Trees can provide great homes for neighborhood creatures. Birds, squirrels, and bees will all appreciate you providing a great place for them to set up their homes.

Fall colors – While conifers do not lose their leaves, most trees change colors and lose their leaves in the fall. This can provide a great bloom of color that will brighten up your autumn. Many people love the changing of the leaves as fall brings a lovely display of color and a cool breeze that preempts winter.

Cons

Raking – Not all trees lose their leaves in the fall, but many do. If the trees you choose do shed their leaves you may have to worry about raking and leaf disposal come fall.

Branches – When a tree gets large enough there is a chance that branches will fall off. Large branches can cause damage if they are hanging over buildings or cars. The chance of this increases with windy weather. You can prevent this by keeping up on removing dead branches and trimming, both of which can cost money and time.

Space – Many trees take up a good deal of space. Not only can tree trunks grow thick, but many trees have extensive root systems. Extensive roots can interfere with plans if they involve excavation. Roots can also damage underground pipes or irrigation systems if your planning is not careful.

When it comes to trees there are countless varieties. Some trees are more rare and expensive than others. Trees also have specific environments that they flourish under. Planting trees in environments where they are not suited to grow may cost you more. There are sites that can give you a good price range to expect for specific trees and the areas where those trees are best suited.

This tree is a great addition to this green plant garden. The tree is not tall enough to provide much shade but does create an amazing punctuation to this garden. It works to give focus and a center to the space.

Large and lush pines can build a nice privacy wall. Their branches start low and fan out to interlace with others nearby. This makes it difficult to pass through and disrupts sightlines.

With a few well placed trees you can create a nearly full canopy that will give shade to your entire yard. This can make your outdoor time very pleasant during a warm summer. Source: Beatrice Murch / Flickr

A few trees dotted across a large yard can break up wide open spaces. Putting a tree or two around a lake is great for this purpose. Lakes can leave spaces wide open and trees can help fill some of that area.

With enough trees you can create a forest effect. The forest effect is great if you want to feel like your home is out in the woods. If you are lucky enough, you can have a wilderness home with countless lovely trees to enjoy. See more of this home here. Designed by Boom Town

By mixing trees of different colors and sizes you can compose an interesting and varied profile for your treeline. This will be very evident in the fall when the leaves turn and reveal a wide range of colors.

Some trees provide different colored leaves all year. This tree has darker red leaves, giving this space an interesting appeal that stands out from the surrounding greens. Source: Tony Alter / Flickr

Some trees have interesting trunk structures that can be used as design elements. The twisted bodies of these trees are fun for climbing. Placing a bench around a tree is also a great way to make use of them as design features.

With smaller trees you can incorporate them into organized and neat landscaping. These trees all look very orderly. They are cultivated to stand at the corners of the pool to emphasize and add some depth to the design.

Even in very orderly and minimalist design trees with wild foliage can look very sharp. These trees help keep the lower area around the bench clear and neat while also providing some light and scattered coverage overhead. See more of this home here. Designed by Boom Town

Different trees can provide different textures. Not only do different leaf structures and colors vary but many trees have differing barks. Some are smooth while others are incredibly textured. Find the right combination of bark and foliage that suits your space.

If you prefer your plants to have function and form, opting for fruit trees is an amazing idea. Trees are a low maintenance way to provide some extra produce for you and your family. This kind of tree can earn its own keep by bearing edible fruit. Source: Badly Drawn Dad / Flickr

Trees can break up a large field and give some variety to the space. Some trees are not quite as predictable as others, and trunks and branches can grow in many arrangements and directions. This is great for spaces where natural and wild elements are desired.

Sometimes it only takes a single tree to make a statement. A lone tree in this open space makes for a lovely sight when silhouetted against the setting sun. Source: Charlie Carver / Flickr

Trees are a great way to outline your property. Your property line will be clearly marked as well as beautiful with a line of towering trees. The right selection of trees can also provide an element of privacy with their thick cover.

Some trees are great for trimming. They retain shape very well and thus can be perfect for design. You can trim and shear them into any shape you wish.

There are plenty of interesting and unique trees to choose from. Here is a yard that has two pine trees that are nearly blue in color. These kinds of trees can really separate your yard from the rest of the block.

Trees do take time to grow. Sometimes you will not see the full potential of a young tree for many years after planting. Because of this, very large species of trees are more of an investment in the future. Source: Marcel Oosterwijk / Flickr

This lovely yard uses a variety of diverse trees to make a visually interesting skyline. Variety is the spice of life and these trees are making this yard quite spicy.

If you want to cultivate a tropical aesthetic the best tree option is the indomitable palm tree. Palms are classic trees that always look amazing near water. You only need one or two palm trees to build a great oasis-like vibe in your yard.

If you are looking for a simple accent to your outdoor design you can find smaller trees that fit in planters. These trees are great for lining entrances and pathways, and add a touch of life to your space.

With enough mature trees you can build a complete canopy that will act as a ceiling to your outdoor eating area. You will be completely covered by natural shade in this magical space. Source: Wonderlane / Flickr

There are some variety of trees that have blossoms. Blossoms can really light up an area with color when they bloom. This is a spectacular way brighten up your yard.

If your space is limited or you simply don’t want a massive tree in your yard, there are plenty of small species of trees. These trees are not only visually pleasing but they do not take up too much space.

Medium sized trees are a great compromise between the massive giants and small potted trees. These trees still provide some shade but are still climbable for the little ones. Source: Rachel Kramer / Flickr

Here is a great back yard with a variety of trees lining the manicured lawn. The trees around this yard provide nice privacy and create a thick forest feel that can make you feel at home and in the wild at the same time.

This yard is littered with a litany of diverse trees. They vary in color, texture, and size. This creates a wide contrast amongst the trees and makes this space appealing and fun.

As the sun moves, the shade from your trees will shift and move across your yard. If you plan for this, your relaxation will experience minimal interruptions with the shifting shade.

Large shady trees are great for most yards. These trees provide great coverage that can keep the sun at bay while still allowing cool breezes to pass through.

The positioning of your trees can help negotiate traffic as well as direct gaze. Even without a constructed path, people are drawn to walk between lines of trees to their destination.

Trees can also be used as functional structures. Here there is a hammock between two trees. Trees are sturdy enough and well suited for this job. Tall and sturdy trees are perfect for performing work of this nature.